Cricket Population Soars Amidst Severe Drought and Pop-Up Showers in Texas
TEXAS – The arrival of autumn in Austin brings with it an unexpected and unwelcome guest: crickets. These creepy crawly critters have taken up residence all over the city, even making appearances in interviews conducted by FOX 7. According to Brian Kelly, the general manager of the pest division at ABC Home and Commercial Services, the influx of crickets can be attributed to the city’s growing popularity. “Hey, everybody’s trying to come to Austin,” he remarked.
Experts, such as Kimberly Woodland, the director of training and technical services for ABC Home and Commercial Services, have noted that August to September is typically cricket season in Central Texas. However, this year’s cricket population is expected to be larger than usual, thanks to the weather conditions. Woodland explains that it is not just the cooler temperatures but also the rainfall that has contributed to the boom in cricket numbers. The severe drought experienced over the summer was followed by heavy rainfall, allowing the crickets to thrive and multiply.
The impact of this cricket invasion is being felt by pest control services in Austin. Phones have been ringing non-stop, and pest control technicians have been kept busy servicing homes and businesses throughout the city. The good news, according to experts, is that the crickets pose no significant threat. Woodland assures the public that these field crickets, although creepy and known for their jumping legs, are harmless and won’t cause any damage to structures or pose any medical risks.
Unfortunately for those who find crickets bothersome, the unwelcome guests are expected to stick around for another 2 to 3 weeks. Another drop in temperatures could even lead to a further surge in the cricket population. “It’s kind of a frenzy,” says Kelly. “People freak out. We even have hotels that have to deal with it. You just can’t stop them from coming, but you can reduce their numbers.”
To tackle the cricket problem, pest control experts recommend treating them at night when they are attracted to light. Commercial businesses, such as auto shops and strip malls, are particularly susceptible to cricket invasions due to the bright lights. Kelly suggests using tape around doors to prevent crickets from entering buildings at night. However, if you happen to come across crickets near a garden, lake, or park, they can actually serve as excellent fish bait or snacks for pet reptiles.
As Austin continues to grapple with its unexpected cricket population, residents are urged to remain calm and take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of these unwelcome guests. With the right measures in place, the cricket invasion can be managed, ensuring a peaceful and pest-free environment for all.
